Sustainability Resources

The goal of the APWA Center for Sustainability (C4S) is to serve as a primary resource for APWA members regarding sustainability and sustainable practices. Below you will find resources to help you implement sustainable practices in your public works department.

Center for Livable Communities
The Center for Livable Communities helps local governments and community leaders be proactive in their land use and transportation planning, and adopt programs and policies that lead to more livable and resource-efficient land use patterns. The site includes information about their publications and conferences.

Building Green
This site contains selected articles, on-line training and certification modules, awards program, and product index information. Its best feature is an extensive database of utility rates, incentives, and web sites. The site includes on-line registration for a free subscription. This web supplement to the print publication also includes a bibliography of green building resources, a checklist for environmentally responsible design and construction, and a calendar of events.

ENERGY STAR Buildings
ENERGY STAR Buildings is a voluntary, market-driven initiative of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that provides participants the tools and support they need to significantly reduce energy costs and improve their bottom line. The ENERGY STAR Buildings Web site includes software tools, government publications, case studies, workshop schedule, and information on program participation. You can also call the ENERGY STAR Hotline at 1-800-STAR-YES for more information. APWA is an endorser organization of the ENERGY STAR Buildings program.

Global Green
Global Green USA works in cooperation with individuals, industry, and government to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future. Acting as a catalyst, facilitator, and mediator, Global Green USA encourages collaborative approaches and crosscutting solutions to environmental challenges. This site includes information addressing energy, green buildings and cities, green affordable housing, recycling, water, and weapons of mass destruction.

Project for Public Spaces
PPS is a nonprofit planning and design organization dedicated to preserving public spaces as the center of community life. The site includes information on their programs and a list of available publications and other products.

Smart Growth Network
Includes a catalog of Smart Growth Tools, news summaraies, case studies, a discussion forum, and a comprehensive bibliography of documents on the issue of smart growth.

TransAct: The Transportation Action Network
TransAct is a collection of information and resources about making communities more livable and helping the environment through innovative transportation projects and initiatives. The site includes a document library.

Urban Land Institute (ULI)
ULI's mission is to provide responsible leadership in the use of land in order to enhance the total environment. The site includes information on information on urban planning, growth, and development. Includes a searchable online bookstore.

US EPA Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities
Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities provides quick, targeted technical assistance using a variety of tools to stimulate a discussion about growth and development and strengthen local capacity to implement sustainable approaches.